Ride with me...

This is a video that helped me learn how to use the GoPro camera, editing software, and new external hard drive. Music by Jimi Bernardin III.

Kayak Adventures

 I received my favorite type of phone call the other evening from our friend Captain Rick Floyd of Island Hoppers Kayaking. It was an invitation to go on a kayak adventure near East Cape.

Rick is an example of a new breed of guides who specialize in kayak tours. In this case it was an advanced eco-tour that combined kayaking with fishing and site-seeing in the remote, unforgiving areas of the park.

Rick arrived at the boat ramp with four specialized kayaks (that allow stand-up paddling & fishing) lashed to his boat and we sped off across Florida Bay towards East Cape channel. Once there we secured the boat, unloaded the kayaks and headed into the swampy wilderness of Everglades National Park. He timed it perfect with the incoming tide so paddling was easy.

We saw numerous exotic creatures including the elusive Roseate Spoonbill, White Pelicans, Wood Storks, Herons, alligators, crocodiles, sharks and much more... all up close and personal. It was like being in a tarzan movie. As far as fishing, we were sight-casting with jigs for Redfish and Snook. What a blast!

Rick and other kayak guides offer a variety of trips from easy sunset paddles for beginners to advanced everglades adventures. It's a beautiful and unique experience. You can reach Rick at 305-345-1908.

Cheeca Lodge Burns!

A New Years Eve blaze gutted the main building at Cheeca Lodge last night. Eighty firefighter and rescue crews from as far away as Miami battled the flames late into the night. 

Although the fire was quickly brought under control, firefighters were still shooting water all over on the smoldering roof through midday January 1st. It looks to me like the main building (which houses the restaurants, administrative offices, front desk, and a huge block of rooms) was extensively damaged, if not totally lost.

All guests were evacuated and relocated to other hotels with no injuries reported at this point. Cheeca is closed indefinitely.

The Midlife Slam

Turning the BIG 5-0 can be a life changing event. Some people buy a sports car, some have an affair, others buy a Harley and hit the road.

Field & Stream Magazine editor Mike Toth decided the best therapy for him was to invent the "midlife slam" and try to catch fifty different species of fish in less than a week. Wow!

There are not many places to accomplish such a feat so easily as the Florida Keys and specifically here in Islamorada, the Sportfishing Capital of the World. Mike easily met his goal and you can read all about it in the December issue of Field & Stream.

My point in bringing this to your attention is that Islamorada is possibly the best place on the planet for fishing and we (as a destination) do a poor job of promoting the family aspect of fishing here. Way too much emphasis is placed on tournaments, fly-fishing and world records.

The truth is you don't have to know anything about fishing to have a great time with the whole family on the water and it can be done on just about any budget. If you have any interest at all in going fishing, you really ought to let us help you set something up.

A New Partnership: Book your rooms and activities all in one place... FREE!

Over the years I've seen so many people waste their vacation running around town researching who and where to book instead of relaxing and enjoying themselves. 

That's why long time fishing buddy and Bud n' Mary's owner Richard Stanczyk and myself have teamed up to make it easier to book your rooms and fishing guides all in one process right from Pines and Palms and soon direct from our web site.

These are the same guides already on our short list... the same fishermen you've been seeing all these years on television and in countless magazine and newspaper articles.

You'll also be able to book kayak rentals, boat rentals, guided tours, diving and snorkeling all with one phone call to the resort (and soon with a few clicks from our web site).  Call 800-624-0964.

This service is absolutely FREE. You do not pay a penny more than if you did the research and booked them yourself. Our goal is to help you have fun. You've trusted us all these years with the resort, now let us help you with your activity plans.

My recommendation: Book early so the best fishermen are in the boat with you instead of somebody else. Fishing, diving, boating, kayaking, dinner... we've got you covered and we're here to help.

Florida Bay Fishing Report - Hot Spots Revealed in 2 Articles

Fall has arrived and delivered our first mini-cold front of the year. Wow, that air feels great! Cooler air combined with shorter days and less sunlight has sparked the fishing in Florida Bay.

Two recent articles (one in the Miami Herald and the other in Florida Sportsman) caught my attention because they both revealed very specific locations to begin your hunt for Redfish and Snook. Usually these articles give just enough information to get you excited but only a general idea of locations.

Click HERE for the Snook article by Susan Cocking of the Miami Herald. For the article on Redfish spots, you'll have to purchase the October edition of Florida Sportsman Magazine and turn to page 66 in the Action Spotter section.